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You are here:Home»WKU dental assisting program expands offerings; classes begin July 8

WKU dental assisting program expands offerings; classes begin July 8

For the second year in a row, the WKU departments of Allied Health and Continuing Education will partner to bring a non-credit dental assisting course to the Bowling Green area.

The demand for qualified dental assistants is continuing to grow, with national data from the Occupational Outlook Handbook predicting a 29 percent growth in the field from 2006-2016. According to a recent study, population growth, greater retention of natural teeth, and a focus on preventative dental care has caused dentists’ workloads to increase. As a result, dentists will likely hire more assistants to perform routine tasks, so that they can focus on more complex procedures.

The WKU Dental Assisting program will prepare students for entrance into the workforce by providing training in topics such as dental terminology, dental anatomy, charting, dental radiology and sterilization. A thorough analysis of pre-clinical dental assisting skills will be made through lectures and hands on laboratory experiences.

New to the program this year is training in coronal polishing. Instruction in this technique has been restricted in the past to individuals with a year or more of dental assisting experience. Now, according to new approval by the Board of Dentistry, any individual may receive this instruction, making those who complete the dental program even more desirable to potential employers.

The program is 21 weeks in length and meets on a schedule of two weekends on followed by one weekend off. Classes will begin meeting on July 8 on the WKU campus. Individuals interested in the program should apply by June 17.